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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league 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.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Joanne Berg
Joanne Berg

A gaming enthusiast and casino reviewer with expertise in online slots and responsible gambling practices.