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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

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

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

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

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

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

Leslie Odom
Leslie Odom

Lena Voss is a professional gambler and writer specializing in casino games, with over a decade of experience in roulette strategy development.