Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Match summary

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice 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 the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for 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 Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Thomas Sullivan
Thomas Sullivan

A tech enthusiast and gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering the Canadian entertainment scene, passionate about exploring new trends.

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