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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss 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 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

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

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

James Hernandez
James Hernandez

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in slot machine mechanics and gaming strategies.