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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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

Deborah Morris
Deborah Morris

A freelance writer and digital nomad passionate about storytelling and cultural exploration.