Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

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

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Justin Cruz
Justin Cruz

A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience in reviewing online casinos and developing winning strategies.