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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

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

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Rhonda Wells
Rhonda Wells

Award-winning photographer specializing in landscape and documentary work, with over a decade of experience in visual arts and gear analysis.