Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up 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 opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown 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 fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Sierra Mitchell
Sierra Mitchell

Lena Visser is a Dutch photographer and writer with a passion for landscape and street photography.