Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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

Kyle Carter
Kyle Carter

A seasoned gambling journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK casinos and slot innovations.