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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

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

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Nicholas Fernandez
Nicholas Fernandez

Elara is a digital marketing expert specializing in loyalty programs and VIP incentives, with over a decade of industry experience.