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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Aaron White
Aaron White

A seasoned real estate analyst with over a decade of experience in Dutch property markets, specializing in investment strategies.