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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten 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 the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Rebecca Leblanc
Rebecca Leblanc

A tech enthusiast and business strategist with over a decade of experience in digital innovation and market analysis.