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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain 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 mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet 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 succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

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

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

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Tamara Contreras
Tamara Contreras

Evelyn Vance is a business strategist with over 15 years of experience in corporate consulting and digital transformation.