Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten 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 corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

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

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Meredith Martinez
Meredith Martinez

Elara Vance is a data scientist and business intelligence consultant with over a decade of experience in transforming raw data into strategic insights.