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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten 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 official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

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

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

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

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter 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 Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Matthew Strong
Matthew Strong

A tech strategist with over a decade of experience in AI and digital transformation, passionate about simplifying complex innovations.