Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees 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 the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

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

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Suzanne Conrad
Suzanne Conrad

A gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in casino strategy and player psychology.