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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Chloe Thompson
Chloe Thompson

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and consumer electronics.