Van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Kristen Santos
Kristen Santos

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