Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

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

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

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

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

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

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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

Amanda Santana
Amanda Santana

Lena Visser is a Dutch new media artist specializing in interactive installations that blend wave patterns with audiovisual technology.