Micky van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

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 Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

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

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

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

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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

Robert Davis
Robert Davis

Professional poker strategist and software developer with over a decade of experience in online gaming analytics.

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