Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford 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 thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

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

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Christopher Thompson
Christopher Thompson

Lena is a digital artist and curator with a passion for blending traditional techniques with modern technology.