Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

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

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

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

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

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

Isaiah Rose
Isaiah Rose

Elena is a food enthusiast and journalist based in Amsterdam, specializing in global cuisine and budget-friendly dining.