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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to score twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival 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 the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Leslie Tyler
Leslie Tyler

A digital strategist and tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering global innovations and market developments.