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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

At a glance

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

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton 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 the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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

Misty Salazar
Misty Salazar

A professional casino analyst with over a decade of experience in gaming strategy and slot machine mechanics.