Van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes 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.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

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

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

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

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Jerry Robinson
Jerry Robinson

A tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for exploring emerging technologies and their impact on society.