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 score two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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

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

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

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

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Rebecca Johnson
Rebecca Johnson

A seasoned blockchain analyst and crypto enthusiast with over a decade of experience in digital asset markets.