Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, 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 drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker 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 an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Cindy Leonard
Cindy Leonard

Professional poker strategist with over a decade of experience in online tournaments and coaching.