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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder 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 Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced 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 Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

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

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Michael Martinez
Michael Martinez

A seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK politics and cultural trends, known for insightful analysis and engaging storytelling.