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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

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 the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

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

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Ronald Sanchez
Ronald Sanchez

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