Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, 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.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

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

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Michael Gonzalez
Michael Gonzalez

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