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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to net twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

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

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck 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 the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

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

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

David Brown
David Brown

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in the casino industry, specializing in slot machine mechanics and player psychology.