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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss 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 more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes 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 chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

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

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening 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 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Karina Smith
Karina Smith

A seasoned casino reviewer with over a decade of experience in online gambling, specializing in slot game analysis and responsible gaming practices.