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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Tyler Jarvis
Tyler Jarvis

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casino trends and player psychology.