Micky van de Ven Double 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 two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

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

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Samantha Young
Samantha Young

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