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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

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

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

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

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter 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 delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Jennifer Dean
Jennifer Dean

A tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK innovations and digital trends for various publications.