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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

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

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur 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 unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

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

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Johnathan Olson
Johnathan Olson

A seasoned entertainment journalist with a passion for uncovering the latest trends and stories in the industry.