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 twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record 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 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 the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

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

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

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

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Scott Smith
Scott Smith

Marcus Thorne is a seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting markets, specializing in football and horse racing.

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