Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

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

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Kayla Vaughn
Kayla Vaughn

A seasoned gaming strategist with over a decade of experience in analyzing casino games and developing winning techniques.