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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

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

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

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

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Teresa Sanchez
Teresa Sanchez

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering esports and industry trends.