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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century 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 impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light 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 League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Jasmine Berger
Jasmine Berger

A professional casino analyst with over a decade of experience in gaming strategies and slot machine mechanics, dedicated to helping players improve their odds.