Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

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

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Katie Jackson
Katie Jackson

A seasoned game developer and esports commentator with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry.