Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered 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 departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

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

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized 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, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Christina Brooks
Christina Brooks

A tech entrepreneur and software architect with over 15 years of experience in AI and cloud computing.

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