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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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 final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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 opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game 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 relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Gary Grimes
Gary Grimes

A seasoned betting analyst with over a decade of experience in sports and casino gaming, dedicated to sharing winning strategies.