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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

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

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

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

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Stephanie Wilson
Stephanie Wilson

Professional blackjack player and strategy coach with over a decade of experience in both live and online casino environments.