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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

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

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Francis Jordan
Francis Jordan

A historian specializing in European nobility, with a passion for uncovering untold stories of royal dynasties and their influence on contemporary society.