Van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Run at Brand New Home Ground

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 spring 2013.

Match summary

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

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

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

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Nicole Robles
Nicole Robles

A tech enthusiast and futurist with a passion for exploring how emerging technologies impact society and daily life.

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