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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club 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 pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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

Craig Jones
Craig Jones

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and startup ecosystems.