Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Peggy Simon
Peggy Simon

A speculative fiction writer who crafts immersive worlds in under 1,000 words, blending mystery and fantasy elements.

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