Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

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

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

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Kara Davis
Kara Davis

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK online casinos and slot machine trends.