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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker 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, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

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

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Bobby Willis
Bobby Willis

A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience in reviewing online casinos and developing player-focused strategies.