Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Morgan Robbins
Morgan Robbins

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in curating premium online resources and tools.