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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Daniel Arias
Daniel Arias

Digital marketing strategist with over 10 years of experience, specializing in SEO and content creation for tech startups.