Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Miss Brittany Nguyen MD
Miss Brittany Nguyen MD

A passionate gamer and tech reviewer, Elara shares in-depth guides and product insights to help gamers optimize their setups.