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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, 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 Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

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

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Allen White
Allen White

A seasoned travel writer and cultural analyst with over a decade of experience exploring remote regions and documenting unique traditions.