Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

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

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

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

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

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Mark Harper
Mark Harper

A software architect with over a decade of experience in cloud computing and AI-driven solutions.