Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Clinton Armstrong
Clinton Armstrong

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience helping UK businesses optimize their online marketing efforts and achieve measurable growth.