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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Laurie Sanchez
Laurie Sanchez

A gemologist with over 15 years of experience in diamond valuation and market analysis, passionate about educating investors and enthusiasts.