Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Bryan Fisher
Bryan Fisher

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