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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Matthew Morris
Matthew Morris

Elara Vance is a seasoned media analyst with over a decade of experience covering UK entertainment and digital trends.