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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated 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 conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' 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 damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Seth Woodward
Seth Woodward

A nature writer and cultural historian passionate about preserving traditional knowledge and sharing it through engaging narratives.