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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official 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 Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown 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 faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

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

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Laura Mcdaniel
Laura Mcdaniel

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in casino strategy and jackpot hunting across European markets.