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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium 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 Van de Ven pounced on two occasions 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 - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger 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 north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

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

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees 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 supporters flocked to the exits 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 will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Nathaniel Ferrell
Nathaniel Ferrell

Lena Visser is an urban geographer and writer passionate about sustainable city design and public space revitalization.