Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

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

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

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

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 the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed 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 the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

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

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Terri Peters
Terri Peters

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casinos and slot machine strategies.