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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions 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 north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

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

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

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

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Michael Marquez
Michael Marquez

A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience in casino reviews and risk management strategies.