Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head 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 next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Stephen Zimmerman
Stephen Zimmerman

A tech enthusiast and business strategist with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and startup ecosystems.