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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team'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 pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

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

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Andrew Gonzalez
Andrew Gonzalez

Marco is a travel writer and photographer passionate about uncovering Italy's lesser-known stories and destinations.