Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

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

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed 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 the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light 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 League Cup tie against the Magpies.

James Roman
James Roman

London-based event enthusiast and writer, covering the city's vibrant culture and entertainment scene.