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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Roberta Richardson
Roberta Richardson

A seasoned journalist specializing in royal affairs with over a decade of experience covering UK monarchy events and trends.