Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees 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 departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third 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 drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Amanda Booth
Amanda Booth

Elara Vance is a seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casinos, specializing in jackpot strategies and player insights.