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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park 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 corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour 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 corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Wendy Willis
Wendy Willis

A Dutch travel writer and cultural enthusiast, sharing personal stories and practical advice from years of exploring the Netherlands and beyond.