Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

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

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Timothy Crawford
Timothy Crawford

Elara Vance is a tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering consumer electronics and emerging technologies across Europe.