Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand 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 match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur 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 the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Jenny Norton
Jenny Norton

Elara Vance is a tech enthusiast and lifestyle writer with over a decade of experience in digital content creation, passionate about exploring how innovation shapes daily life.