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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to score twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

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

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

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

What next for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Noah Wiggins
Noah Wiggins

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