Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record 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 seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized 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.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

John Wiley
John Wiley

A tech enthusiast and gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in digital media and content creation.