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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

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

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Troy Cunningham
Troy Cunningham

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and software trends.