Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed 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.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered 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 leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged 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 set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Larry Thompson
Larry Thompson

A cybersecurity specialist and tech writer with over a decade of experience in digital innovation and AI ethics.