Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, 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 Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani 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 wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

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

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Catherine Chavez
Catherine Chavez

An avid traveler and writer sharing insights from expeditions across diverse landscapes and cultures.