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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Andrew Finley
Andrew Finley

A seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting markets, specializing in football and tennis predictions.