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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

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

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

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

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

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

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Walter Burnett
Walter Burnett

Elara Voss is a seasoned urban explorer and storyteller, uncovering the secrets of cities around the world.