Van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

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

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend'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 opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Danielle Jackson
Danielle Jackson

Lena Verhoeven is a creative strategist and writer passionate about design thinking and innovation.

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