Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

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

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

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

Patricia Wheeler
Patricia Wheeler

Elara is a seasoned poker strategist and streamer, sharing insights from years of competitive play and analysis.

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