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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures 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 Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

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

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

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

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

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Shelley Gray
Shelley Gray

A passionate esports analyst and gaming enthusiast with years of experience in competitive strategy and hardware testing.