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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

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

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

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

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Juan Hopkins
Juan Hopkins

An avid hiker and nature photographer with over a decade of experience exploring Canada's wilderness.

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