Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

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

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Angel Smith
Angel Smith

Elias Varma is een streetwear-expert en modejournalist met een passie voor urban fashion en duurzame kleding.