Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up 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 first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

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

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, 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 skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Brittney Baxter
Brittney Baxter

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in scaling startups and optimizing online presence for global brands.

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