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

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 Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

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

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Jerry Parker
Jerry Parker

A workspace design consultant and productivity coach with over a decade of experience optimizing home and corporate environments.