Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Sarah Williams
Sarah Williams

Digital culture analyst and PhD in Media Studies, exploring the intersection of technology and society.