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 net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

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

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

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

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Matthew Miller
Matthew Miller

A seasoned financial advisor with over 15 years of experience in wealth management and investment planning.