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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated 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 the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place 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 final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only 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 make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Ronnie May
Ronnie May

A seasoned digital strategist with over a decade of experience in helping businesses scale through innovative marketing solutions.

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