Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

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

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Natasha Stephens
Natasha Stephens

A professional poker strategist with over a decade of experience in tournament play and coaching.