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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack 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 pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike 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 skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched 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 handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Victoria James
Victoria James

A seasoned traveler and writer passionate about uncovering hidden gems and sharing cultural narratives from diverse destinations.