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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League 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 Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

Everton remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for 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 field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

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

The substitute, too, 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 attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Laura Stanley
Laura Stanley

Elara is an experienced educator and content creator passionate about innovative teaching methods and digital learning solutions.