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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to score two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

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

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Thomas Reynolds
Thomas Reynolds

Holistic health coach and writer with a passion for natural wellness and mindful living.