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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

David Ayala
David Ayala

Elena Vargas es una periodista independiente con más de una década de experiencia en reportajes internacionales y análisis político.