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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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 the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

David Martin
David Martin

A reflective writer and storyteller passionate about exploring human experiences through personal narratives and daily observations.