Micky van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed 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.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Gary Erickson
Gary Erickson

Marcus Thorne is a business strategist with over 15 years of experience helping enterprises optimize operations and achieve sustainable growth.

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