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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League 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 more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

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

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Samuel Walker
Samuel Walker

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