Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up 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 duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Kelly Sparks
Kelly Sparks

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in slot machine mechanics and gambling strategies, dedicated to helping players win smarter.