Micky van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

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

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, 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 emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Don Davila
Don Davila

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in casino entertainment and slot machine mechanics.