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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Brittney Church
Brittney Church

Elara Vance is a seasoned political analyst with a focus on UK affairs, providing sharp commentary and data-driven insights.