Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

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

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points ahead 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 mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, 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' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

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

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Jeffrey Griffin
Jeffrey Griffin

A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience in sports betting and casino gaming, specializing in Canadian markets.

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