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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager 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 the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Taylor Wolf
Taylor Wolf

Elara is a seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting strategies and odds analysis.