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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

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

The Toffees were undefeated 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 end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

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

David Elliott
David Elliott

A seasoned business strategist with over 15 years of experience in digital transformation across European markets.

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