Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful 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 VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for 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 Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits 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 striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

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

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Jonathan Yang
Jonathan Yang

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casino reviews and strategy development.