Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - 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 first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Christopher Webster
Christopher Webster

A tech journalist and gaming enthusiast with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and digital culture.