Van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

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

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, 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 first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Michael Espinoza
Michael Espinoza

Maya is a tech enthusiast and lifestyle writer with over a decade of experience in reviewing high-end products and sharing practical insights.