Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat 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 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

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

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

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

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

William Allen
William Allen

Elias Visser is a freelance writer and creative strategist passionate about mindful living and storytelling.

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