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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

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

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

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

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Christopher Adams
Christopher Adams

Elena is a seasoned real estate strategist and community builder, dedicated to connecting professionals across the Netherlands.