Van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

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 Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain 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 Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper 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 stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

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

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

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

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Leslie Holmes
Leslie Holmes

A seasoned business strategist with over 15 years of experience in corporate leadership and entrepreneurial ventures.