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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

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

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

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

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

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

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

Juan Medina
Juan Medina

A former professional sports analyst turned betting strategist, specializing in data-driven predictions and risk management techniques.