Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road 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 recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

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

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

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

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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

Hannah Black
Hannah Black

A seasoned casino enthusiast and gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in slot machine strategies and online gambling insights.

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