Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

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

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

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

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

Harold Kerr
Harold Kerr

A film critic and entertainment journalist with over a decade of experience covering Hollywood and indie cinema.