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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton stay 14th and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Mr. Paul Morrison
Mr. Paul Morrison

A business strategist with over 15 years of experience in digital transformation and market analysis.