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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

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

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

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing 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 wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Rebekah Wall
Rebekah Wall

Elara is a tech journalist with a decade of experience covering digital innovations and cybersecurity trends across Europe.