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 defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first 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 handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Mark Ibarra
Mark Ibarra

A software engineer and tech writer passionate about AI ethics and digital transformation, with over a decade in Silicon Valley.