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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet 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 excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

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

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Joan Stewart
Joan Stewart

A certified fitness trainer and wellness coach with over a decade of experience in holistic health practices across the UK.

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