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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Chelsea Harris
Chelsea Harris

A seasoned tech journalist and blogger with a passion for uncovering digital trends.