Micky van de Ven Double 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 Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

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

Aaron Morgan
Aaron Morgan

A UK-based cardiologist with over 15 years of experience, specializing in preventive heart care and patient education.