Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years 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 failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

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

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Benjamin Miles
Benjamin Miles

Aria Vance is a digital marketing strategist with over a decade of experience in SEO and content marketing, passionate about helping brands thrive online.