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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

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

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

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Shelby Brooks
Shelby Brooks

A seasoned real estate expert specializing in luxury properties in Italy, with over 15 years of experience in the Capri market.