Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

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

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

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

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Sydney Taylor
Sydney Taylor

A marketing strategist with over a decade of experience in digital campaigns and brand development across Nordic markets.