Van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Run at 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 Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

John Cruz
John Cruz

Hospitality expert and travel writer with over a decade of experience covering luxury hotels and event venues across Europe.