Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Taylor Manning
Taylor Manning

A seasoned gambling analyst with over 10 years of experience covering UK lottery trends and casino industry developments.