Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to net twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games 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 Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

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

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official 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 interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Bradley Ford
Bradley Ford

Eleanor Hart is a UK-based minimalist and wellness coach dedicated to helping others find clarity through simplicity.