Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak 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 the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

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

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

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 third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Dr. Bryan Rush
Dr. Bryan Rush

A horticulturist and landscape designer with over 15 years of experience specializing in Japanese maples and sustainable gardening practices.

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