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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton 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 departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Brenda Silva
Brenda Silva

A tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering digital innovation and startup ecosystems across Europe.