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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward 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 unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Douglas French
Douglas French

Elara is a tech enthusiast and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in web innovation and content creation.