Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground 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 corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

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

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Robert Villa
Robert Villa

Liam Visser is a seasoned gamer and tech journalist with a passion for uncovering hidden gaming gems.