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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated 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 on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled 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, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

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

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Cindy Brown
Cindy Brown

A seasoned travel writer with a passion for uncovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and sharing immersive cultural experiences.