Van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

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 end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record 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 put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

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

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Shannon Lopez
Shannon Lopez

A seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting markets, specializing in statistical modeling and risk assessment.

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