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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

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

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

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - 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 powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

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

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

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Justin Foley
Justin Foley

A cultural critic and journalist with a passion for uncovering hidden gems in the UK's arts scene, blending academic insight with accessible storytelling.