Van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for 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 replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Nicholas Brown
Nicholas Brown

A design enthusiast and lifestyle writer with a passion for modern aesthetics and sustainable living, sharing insights from over a decade in the industry.

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