Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven'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 the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

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

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Linda Turner
Linda Turner

A UK-based interior designer with over a decade of experience, specializing in modern minimalist aesthetics and sustainable home solutions.