Van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

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

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

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

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Beverly Mccarthy
Beverly Mccarthy

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger passionate about helping others navigate modern challenges with practical solutions.