Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Brian Lowery
Brian Lowery

Digital strategist and UX designer with over a decade of experience in tech innovation and web development projects across Europe.