Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

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

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent 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 Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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 emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Cameron Hayes
Cameron Hayes

A tech enthusiast and software developer with over 8 years of experience in web technologies and digital innovation.