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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton 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 the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he chose 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, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Jasmin Ellison MD
Jasmin Ellison MD

Marco Deluca is a sports betting analyst with over a decade of experience in the industry, providing insights and strategies to help bettors succeed.