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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

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

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Trevor Boone
Trevor Boone

A tech journalist and software developer with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and digital transformation.