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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Jason Cruz
Jason Cruz

A former professional sports analyst turned betting strategist, specializing in data-driven predictions across major leagues.