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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

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

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Heather Johnson
Heather Johnson

Elena is a seasoned casino enthusiast with over a decade of experience in online gaming, sharing insights to help players win big.

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