Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

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

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

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

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Patrick Owen
Patrick Owen

A UK-based tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering digital innovations and consumer electronics trends.

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