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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Erika Ayala
Erika Ayala

A seasoned collector and writer specializing in vintage and modern trading cards, with over a decade of experience in the hobby.