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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing 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 - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven 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.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

John Archer
John Archer

A passionate MapleStory veteran with over a decade of experience, specializing in class optimization and end-game content strategies.