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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted 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 offensive threat to be reckoned with.

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

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end 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 pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Nicholas Scott
Nicholas Scott

A tech enthusiast and digital content creator with over a decade of experience in reviewing gadgets and exploring emerging technologies.