Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Melody Hudson
Melody Hudson

A seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting markets and statistical modeling.