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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR 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 Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager opted for 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 turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

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

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Jodi Smith
Jodi Smith

Marcus Thorne is an investigative journalist with over a decade of experience covering political corruption and transparency issues.