Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson 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.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing 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.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt 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 happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Joseph Harrison
Joseph Harrison

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience in reviewing online slots and analyzing casino trends across the UK market.