Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

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

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Maria Williams
Maria Williams

Tech enthusiast and hardware reviewer with a passion for demystifying PC builds for enthusiasts and beginners alike.