Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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

Dominique Park
Dominique Park

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casinos, specializing in slot mechanics and player psychology.