Micky van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker 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 an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees 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 final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight 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 match against the Magpies.

Joseph Martin
Joseph Martin

A tech strategist with over a decade of experience in digital innovation and AI-driven solutions, passionate about simplifying complex tech concepts.