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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

Everton stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

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

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

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

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

Brenda Moore
Brenda Moore

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