Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

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

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

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

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Terrance Combs
Terrance Combs

A gaming enthusiast and casino blogger with over a decade of experience in online entertainment and bingo strategies.