Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Andrew Brewer
Andrew Brewer

A seasoned gaming enthusiast with over a decade of experience in online casino reviews and strategy development.

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