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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - 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.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Robert Moss
Robert Moss

A tech strategist with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and IT consulting, specializing in cloud solutions and cybersecurity.