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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

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

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

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Casey Reyes
Casey Reyes

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and startup ecosystems.