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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Aaron Larson
Aaron Larson

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in tech journalism, specializing in UK market trends and innovation.