Van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker 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 pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute 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 space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Joseph Bennett
Joseph Bennett

Environmental scientist and sustainable living advocate with over a decade of experience in renewable energy projects.