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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net 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 unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose 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 substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Krista Gonzales
Krista Gonzales

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in tech innovation and content creation, passionate about simplifying complex topics.