Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

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 Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

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 interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Melody Nelson
Melody Nelson

A German gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casino reviews and regulatory compliance.