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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer 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 on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out 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 corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

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

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Don Hernandez
Don Hernandez

Maya Sterling is a seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering casino trends and slot machine innovations.