Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League 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 Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

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

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Jennifer Cole
Jennifer Cole

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in SEO and content marketing, passionate about helping businesses thrive online.