Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing 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 transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Matthew Aguilar
Matthew Aguilar

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about emerging technologies and their impact on society, with a background in software development.