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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

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

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed 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 final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

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

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Brian Murphy
Brian Murphy

Sports betting analyst with 10+ years experience, specializing in European football odds and data-driven predictions.