Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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

Justin Harrington
Justin Harrington

A creative lifestyle blogger and mindfulness coach sharing practical tips for a balanced life.