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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

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

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Briana Hernandez
Briana Hernandez

A productivity consultant and tech enthusiast who writes about optimizing workflows and digital tools for better efficiency.