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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around 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 scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Stephanie Browning
Stephanie Browning

A fashion journalist and lifestyle curator with over a decade of experience in luxury brands and global trends.