Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to score twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Tiffany Reyes
Tiffany Reyes

A tech journalist and futurist with over a decade of experience covering AI and digital ecosystems.