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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

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

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

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

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen 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 Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

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

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Rebecca Franklin
Rebecca Franklin

A technology strategist with over a decade of experience in UK digital innovation and startup ecosystems.