Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

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

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

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

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Laura Porter
Laura Porter

A seasoned luxury travel journalist with over a decade of experience exploring exclusive destinations and sharing insider tips for elite globetrotters.