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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

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

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton 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 end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose 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 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Shannon Collins
Shannon Collins

A seasoned journalist with a decade of experience in European politics and media studies.