Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

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

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Laura Campbell
Laura Campbell

Lena is a career coach with over a decade of experience helping professionals unlock their potential through tailored growth strategies.