Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Brian Davis
Brian Davis

A wildlife biologist with over a decade of experience studying sloths in Central America, passionate about conservation and education.