Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Megan Peterson
Megan Peterson

A sports scientist and coach with over 15 years of experience in elite athletic performance and training methodologies.