Micky 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 initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten 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 Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Gregory Collins
Gregory Collins

International business strategist with over 15 years of experience advising multinational corporations on market expansion and risk management.