Micky van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Peter Brandt
Peter Brandt

A historian and cultural analyst with over a decade of experience researching British heritage and contemporary issues.

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