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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

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

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well 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 new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Daniel Rivera
Daniel Rivera

A digital strategist and writer with over a decade of experience covering global tech trends and their societal impacts.

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