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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Jessica Williams
Jessica Williams

A seasoned tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering digital transformation and startup ecosystems across Europe.