Micky van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak 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 Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing 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 saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted 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 challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Denise Mahoney
Denise Mahoney

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about innovation and self-improvement, sharing insights from years of experience.

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