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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

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

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

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

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival 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 final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

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

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

Melissa Craig
Melissa Craig

Lifestyle curator and luxury travel enthusiast with a decade of experience in premium content creation.

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