Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable 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 Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

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

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

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

What next for these two sides?

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

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

Joseph Liu
Joseph Liu

Veterinarian and pet wellness advocate with over 10 years of experience in animal care and nutrition.

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