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 twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

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

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

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

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

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker 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 field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

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

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs 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 travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Amanda Calhoun
Amanda Calhoun

A passionate casino enthusiast and writer with 10 years of experience in the online gaming industry.