Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

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

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

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

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

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

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty 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 winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

William Ayala
William Ayala

A lifelong gamer and tech enthusiast, Maya specializes in RPGs and indie game coverage, with over a decade of experience in gaming journalism.