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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated 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 Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Christina Woods
Christina Woods

Maya Chen is a tech journalist and startup advisor with over a decade of experience covering Silicon Valley and global innovation hubs.