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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted 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 the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR 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 interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent 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 faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: 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 late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Dustin King
Dustin King

Elena is a travel journalist and cultural analyst with over a decade of experience exploring diverse regions and documenting unique global perspectives.