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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal between them 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 form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Danielle Johnson
Danielle Johnson

Elara Vance is a UK-based health journalist with a decade of experience covering wellness trends and medical breakthroughs.