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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

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

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Judy Jackson
Judy Jackson

Elin Västberg är en erfaren journalist med fokus på svensk politik och samhällsdebatt, med flera år i branschen.