Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

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 Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Stephen Dixon
Stephen Dixon

A digital content creator specializing in video production and visual storytelling, with over five years of industry experience.