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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put 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 final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

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 his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Dennis Evans
Dennis Evans

Financial analyst with 10 years of experience covering global markets and investment strategies.