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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Erica Oconnell
Erica Oconnell

Elara Vance is a cultural geographer and writer fascinated by patterns of chance in urban environments.