Van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal 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 Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium 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 Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Hannah Arellano DVM
Hannah Arellano DVM

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle writer passionate about sharing practical insights and inspiring stories to help readers thrive.