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 backline player to net twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger 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 division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

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

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Damon Pitts
Damon Pitts

A wildlife biologist specializing in sloth behavior and habitat conservation, with over a decade of field research in Central and South America.