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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left 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 corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

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

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Veronica Hughes
Veronica Hughes

A tech enthusiast and business strategist with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and startup consulting.