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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

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

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

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

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

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Jose Hart
Jose Hart

A seasoned gaming journalist with a decade of experience covering UK online casinos and responsible gambling practices.