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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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 wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Lori Ortiz
Lori Ortiz

A sustainable fashion advocate and ethical lifestyle blogger, passionate about eco-conscious living and minimalism.