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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

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

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Darlene Chavez
Darlene Chavez

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in the online casino industry, specializing in market trends and player psychology.