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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Kayla Sims
Kayla Sims

A seasoned travel writer and lifestyle curator with over a decade of experience exploring luxury destinations worldwide.