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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

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

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

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter 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 Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Damon Mcmahon
Damon Mcmahon

Lena Visser is a tech journalist and strategist with a passion for exploring the intersection of technology and society.