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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Ashley Duran
Ashley Duran

Cybersecurity expert and tech writer focused on digital privacy and secure data management strategies.