Micky van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

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

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Joseph Cochran
Joseph Cochran

A London-based journalist with a passion for uncovering unique stories about British culture and modern life.

Popular Post