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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender 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.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's performance 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 attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Patricia Gibson
Patricia Gibson

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about exploring the intersection of design and emerging technologies.