Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees 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 departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

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

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Richard Rivas
Richard Rivas

A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience in sports betting and casino gaming, specializing in data-driven strategies.