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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

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

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

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

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Robert Foley Jr.
Robert Foley Jr.

A passionate gamer and writer who explores the intersection of technology and interactive entertainment.