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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

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

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

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

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Claire Greene
Claire Greene

A passionate food writer and home cook with a love for British cuisine and sharing culinary adventures.

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