Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to score twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss 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 end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

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

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Thomas Ali
Thomas Ali

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in online gaming, specializing in slot machine mechanics and player psychology.