Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton 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 end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, 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 believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

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

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

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

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

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Paul Garner
Paul Garner

A gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering casino slots and industry developments worldwide.