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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place 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.

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

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

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

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Joseph Taylor
Joseph Taylor

Elara is a published novelist and writing coach with a passion for helping aspiring authors find their voice and craft compelling narratives.