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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

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

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable 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 final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed 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 clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early 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.

Melanie Bauer
Melanie Bauer

Tech enthusiast and writer passionate about emerging technologies and their impact on society, with a background in software development.