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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

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

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Mark Anderson
Mark Anderson

Elara Vance is a digital strategist with over a decade of experience helping Canadian businesses thrive online through innovative marketing solutions.