Van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

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

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend'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 summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: 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 Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Jessica Love
Jessica Love

Eleanor Dashwood is a bingo enthusiast and expert with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry.