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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to score twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

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

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

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

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Adrian Bradshaw
Adrian Bradshaw

Elena Voss is a digital content curator and streaming enthusiast with over a decade of experience in media analysis.