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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged 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 last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

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 failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home 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, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton 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

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

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

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Brian Walter
Brian Walter

A seasoned casino enthusiast with over a decade of experience in gaming analysis and jackpot strategies.