Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye 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 table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

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

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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

John Caldwell
John Caldwell

A Canadian health expert with over 15 years of experience in preventive medicine and wellness coaching, passionate about community health.