Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Spurs captain the Dutchman 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 the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Joshua Myers
Joshua Myers

A seasoned traveler and writer passionate about uncovering hidden stories and sharing global experiences with readers.

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