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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number 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 English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Mr. William Mason
Mr. William Mason

A software engineer and tech writer passionate about AI ethics and open-source projects, with over a decade of industry experience.