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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Lisa Jordan
Lisa Jordan

A certified mindfulness coach and writer passionate about helping others find peace through meditation and holistic wellness practices.