Micky van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss 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 more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Tara Crane
Tara Crane

A seasoned metal fabrication specialist with over 15 years of experience in plasma cutting technologies and industrial engineering solutions.

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