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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

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

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Richard Goodman
Richard Goodman

Lena is a tech journalist and AI researcher passionate about demystifying complex technologies for a broad audience.