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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to score twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

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

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Ronald Matthews
Ronald Matthews

A passionate mixologist with over a decade of experience in crafting unique cocktails and sharing expert tips on home bartending.

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