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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Brianna Garcia
Brianna Garcia

Wildlife biologist with a focus on sloth ecology, passionate about conservation and environmental education.