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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged 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 five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces 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 the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

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

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

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

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

John Harper
John Harper

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