Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman 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 - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

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

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Anthony Sanchez
Anthony Sanchez

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