Van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

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

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

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

Amber James
Amber James

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in SEO and content marketing, passionate about helping brands achieve online visibility.