Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

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

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

Everton were unbeaten 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 end 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 risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Dr. Tiffany Kirby
Dr. Tiffany Kirby

A seasoned gaming enthusiast with over a decade of experience in online casino reviews and strategy development.