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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches 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 Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

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

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

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

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Terri Bennett
Terri Bennett

Lena Visser is a tech enthusiast and science communicator with a passion for making complex topics accessible.