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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front 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 pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Cristina Moreno DVM
Cristina Moreno DVM

Lena Visser is a wellness coach and Amsterdam-based writer passionate about holistic health and eco-friendly living.