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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

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

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-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.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Shelley Dean
Shelley Dean

James is a tech analyst and writer passionate about digital transformation and productivity tools.