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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - 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.

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Melissa Hernandez
Melissa Hernandez

James is a writer and urban enthusiast who explores the intersections of culture, design, and city life.