Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in opening period

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Matthew Decker
Matthew Decker

Elena is a voice technology enthusiast and content creator, dedicated to sharing insights on voice solutions.