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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to score twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani 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 wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

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

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

William Stevenson
William Stevenson

A seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting strategies and market trends.