Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

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

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, 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 break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Tammy Burns
Tammy Burns

Maya Rodriguez is a seasoned betting analyst with over a decade of experience in sports and casino betting strategies.