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 score twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games 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 left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

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

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Mary Smith
Mary Smith

Marco Rossi is a seasoned strategist and content creator with over a decade of experience in gaming and analytics.