Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

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

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

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 reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Richard Soto
Richard Soto

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering UK tech innovations and startup ecosystems.