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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

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

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes 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 final goal to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

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

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

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League 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 match against the Magpies.

Beverly Irwin
Beverly Irwin

Mikael Voss is a seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casinos, specializing in game reviews and betting strategies.