Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory 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 remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

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

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Darius Brown
Darius Brown

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casino reviews and strategy development.