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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat 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 the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

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

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Johnny Powers
Johnny Powers

Aria Vance is a passionate gaming enthusiast with years of experience in online casinos, dedicated to sharing insights and strategies for slot players.