Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet 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 fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

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

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Jennifer Delacruz
Jennifer Delacruz

A seasoned business strategist with over 15 years of experience in UK enterprise development and digital transformation.