Van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten 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 Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen 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 the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of the field

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival 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 final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

William Harris
William Harris

Marcus Thorne is a UK-based tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and industry trends.