Van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches 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 Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

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

Christopher Kramer
Christopher Kramer

A full-stack developer and tech writer with over 8 years of experience in building scalable web applications and mentoring aspiring coders.