Van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run 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 departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

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

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, 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 the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls 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 early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Brian Nguyen
Brian Nguyen

A professional blackjack strategist with over a decade of experience in casino gaming and mathematical analysis.