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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

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

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

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

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

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

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Thomas Sparks
Thomas Sparks

Maya is a passionate writer and tech enthusiast, sharing her experiences and insights on digital innovation and everyday life.