Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged 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 recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official 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.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of pitch

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

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

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

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record 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 time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

James White
James White

Digital strategist and content creator with a passion for storytelling and data-driven marketing insights.