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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

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

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

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

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Teresa Greene
Teresa Greene

Travel enthusiast and local expert sharing insights on the best places to stay and visit in Bari and beyond.