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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

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

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Cheyenne Castro
Cheyenne Castro

A seasoned gaming enthusiast with over a decade of experience in online casinos and strategy development.