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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Krista Parrish
Krista Parrish

A UK-based cleaning specialist with over 15 years in carpet care and restoration, passionate about eco-friendly solutions.