Van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes 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.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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

Michael Williams
Michael Williams

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in reviewing online casinos and slot games, passionate about helping players make informed choices.