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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked 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 Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Ann Poole
Ann Poole

Elena is a nature enthusiast and writer dedicated to sharing the wonders of meadows and sustainable practices.