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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

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

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Trevor Rangel
Trevor Rangel

Elara is a passionate gamer and tech enthusiast, known for her in-depth game analyses and engaging community content.

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