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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to score twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed 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 reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

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

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Juan Salinas
Juan Salinas

A seasoned gaming journalist with a passion for slot mechanics and player insights, sharing tips to enhance your online casino adventures.