Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' 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 match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions 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 the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Kristi Turner
Kristi Turner

A seasoned HR consultant with over 15 years of experience in UK recruitment and talent development strategies.