Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat 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 unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

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

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Jason Myers
Jason Myers

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