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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Shawn Turner MD
Shawn Turner MD

Elara is a seasoned gaming enthusiast and tech writer, specializing in Minecraft server optimization and community engagement.