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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

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

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Jeffery Adams
Jeffery Adams

Elara is a travel writer and cultural enthusiast who shares her global experiences and insights on exploring new places.