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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival 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.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Henry Clark
Henry Clark

A music journalist and cultural critic with a passion for uncovering underground scenes and innovative artistic expressions across the UK.