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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Maria Cabrera
Maria Cabrera

Elara Vance is a tech journalist and former software engineer who simplifies complex tech topics for a broad audience.