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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

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

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Alyssa Herrera
Alyssa Herrera

Award-winning journalist specializing in digital innovation and societal impacts, with over a decade of experience covering European tech scenes.