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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to score twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman 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 striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Tara Davis
Tara Davis

Elara is a seasoned gamer and strategy expert, sharing her passion for Clash games through in-depth guides and community engagement.