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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Joshua Harmon
Joshua Harmon

A seasoned financial journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK markets and global economic trends.