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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed 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 the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing 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 box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Brian Rivera
Brian Rivera

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casinos, specializing in slot mechanics and player psychology.