Micky van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

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

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Sara Chang
Sara Chang

A tech journalist and software engineer with over a decade of experience covering AI advancements and digital transformation trends.

Popular Post