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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League game 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 defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

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

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

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

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Samuel Davis
Samuel Davis

A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience reviewing online casinos and advocating for safe betting practices in the UK.