Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

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

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario 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 Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

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

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Michael Anderson
Michael Anderson

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