Van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to score twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground 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 the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

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

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact 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 the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Corey Green
Corey Green

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger with a passion for sharing innovative ideas and practical advice.