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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Nathan Kennedy
Nathan Kennedy

Lotte is een ervaren outdoorliefhebber en reisblogger met een passie voor het ontdekken van verborgen plekken.

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