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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

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

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession 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 Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Albert Ramos
Albert Ramos

A seasoned gambling analyst with over 15 years of experience in slot machines and jackpot systems.