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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs 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: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Regina Hale
Regina Hale

Elena is a seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering the UK casino industry and slot machine trends.