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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

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

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

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

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Steven Wheeler
Steven Wheeler

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