Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • 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 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

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

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Erika Hutchinson
Erika Hutchinson

A seasoned IT professional with over a decade of experience in cybersecurity and network infrastructure, passionate about helping businesses thrive through technology.