Van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to score twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • 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 dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Margaret Kennedy
Margaret Kennedy

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casino reviews and responsible gambling advocacy.