Micky van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

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

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men 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 late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Michael Watkins
Michael Watkins

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