Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

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

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out 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 back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

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

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable 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 offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Carolyn Berry
Carolyn Berry

Elara is an award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience covering international affairs and investigative reporting.