Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively 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 recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Martin Walker
Martin Walker

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casino trends and player psychology.