Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player 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 end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur 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 Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Savannah Walker
Savannah Walker

An adventurous travel writer with a passion for uncovering the UK's best-kept secrets and sharing them with fellow explorers.