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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to score 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 first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

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

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light 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 next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Crystal Horton
Crystal Horton

Elara is a tech enthusiast and avid traveler who shares insights from her global adventures and digital experiences.