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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Curtis Davis
Curtis Davis

Elena Hartwell is a freelance writer and tech enthusiast exploring the intersection of innovation and everyday life.