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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score 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.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' 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 score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Brett Bryant
Brett Bryant

IT consultant specializing in business technology optimization and cybersecurity strategies.