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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces 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 third to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official 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 Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

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

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Julie Davis
Julie Davis

Liam de Wit is a community enthusiast and writer who loves sharing local stories and hidden gems from the Netherlands.