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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

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

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions 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 former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Patricia Ruiz
Patricia Ruiz

Lena is a certified fitness coach and avid spinner with over 10 years of experience in cycling and wellness.

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