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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

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

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

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

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Troy Bailey
Troy Bailey

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in tech consulting and business innovation, passionate about helping companies thrive online.