Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

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

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading 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 the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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 threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Rachel Hernandez
Rachel Hernandez

A full-stack developer specializing in modern JavaScript frameworks and cloud architecture, with over a decade of industry experience.