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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed 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 attacking force to be reckoned with.

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

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

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Jennifer Cruz
Jennifer Cruz

A seasoned gambling journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK casinos and slot trends.