Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized 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, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

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

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose 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 replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - 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 defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

William Chandler
William Chandler

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