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 score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable 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 equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

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

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Cory Brown
Cory Brown

A tech strategist and digital innovation consultant with over a decade of experience in helping businesses adapt to emerging technologies.