Micky van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - 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 his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed 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 attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Tiffany Johnson
Tiffany Johnson

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