Van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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

Jennifer Stephens
Jennifer Stephens

A certified nutritionist and wellness coach with over a decade of experience in holistic health practices and dietary science.

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