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 initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged 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 five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Paul Brown
Paul Brown

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