Micky van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

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

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Susan Mccarthy
Susan Mccarthy

Maya Sterling is a seasoned betting analyst with over a decade of experience in sports wagering and casino gaming, specializing in UK markets.

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