Van de Ven Brace Halts 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 Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

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

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

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

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

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Mr. Steven Rodriguez Jr.
Mr. Steven Rodriguez Jr.

Lena Visser is an interior designer and writer with a passion for classic aesthetics.