Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' 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 English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

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

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Deborah Hicks
Deborah Hicks

Elara is a lifestyle writer passionate about exploring cultural shifts and sharing practical tips for everyday enrichment.