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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, 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 the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

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

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Tara Morris
Tara Morris

A gaming technology analyst with over a decade of experience in slot machine development and industry trends.