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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

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

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Ian Valencia
Ian Valencia

Tech enthusiast and writer exploring the intersection of logic and innovation in the Vegas Valley.