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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Johnny Castillo
Johnny Castillo

A passionate automotive historian and restoration expert with over 15 years of experience in preserving classic cars.