Van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

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

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed 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 bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Michele Lee
Michele Lee

Elena is a tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for creating accessible tools that simplify everyday life.