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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third 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.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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

Elizabeth Mclaughlin
Elizabeth Mclaughlin

A seasoned lottery analyst with over a decade of experience in UK gaming trends and strategies.