Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees 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 departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed 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.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - 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.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Daniel Garza
Daniel Garza

Tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for exploring cutting-edge innovations and sharing practical advice.