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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted 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 six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Daniel Green
Daniel Green

Lena Visser is a seasoned sports bettor and analyst with over a decade of experience in the gambling industry.