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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Bailey Boyd
Bailey Boyd

Blockchain analyst and crypto enthusiast with over 8 years of experience in decentralized finance and staking protocols.