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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force 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 free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed 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 Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Elizabeth Jones
Elizabeth Jones

A seasoned digital nomad and travel writer, sharing insights from years of exploring the world while working remotely.