Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven 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 six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Russell Hunter
Russell Hunter

Elara Vance is a luxury travel expert with over 15 years of experience designing exclusive journeys for high-net-worth individuals and celebrities.