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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact 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 offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend'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 opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Michael Reese
Michael Reese

Lieke is a digital strategist with over a decade of experience in SEO and content marketing.