Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

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

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

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Katherine Edwards
Katherine Edwards

A seasoned attorney with over 15 years of experience in corporate law and litigation, dedicated to providing clear legal guidance.