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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club'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 Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Stephanie Brown
Stephanie Brown

Tech enthusiast and AI researcher with a passion for exploring how emerging technologies shape our future.