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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder 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 captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

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

Toffees breakdown: 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 final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

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

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Carrie Wallace
Carrie Wallace

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in crafting engaging online experiences and driving brand growth through data-driven marketing.