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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

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

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Erica Allison
Erica Allison

Interior designer with over a decade of experience specializing in commercial spaces and sustainable furniture solutions.