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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

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

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

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

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

Janice Graham
Janice Graham

A passionate gamer and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience covering the gaming industry and emerging technologies.