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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

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

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Kimberly Bush
Kimberly Bush

A seasoned business strategist with over 15 years of experience in digital transformation and corporate innovation.