Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

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

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Corey Mccoy Jr.
Corey Mccoy Jr.

A seasoned writer and leadership coach passionate about empowering individuals through insightful storytelling and practical advice.