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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender 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 set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur 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 Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

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

Louis Woods
Louis Woods

A wildlife enthusiast and urban ecologist exploring London's natural secrets.