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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

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

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted 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 a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

Everton stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

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

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

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

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Brandon Martin
Brandon Martin

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering online casinos and betting trends.