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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at each end of the field

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

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

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

David Garcia
David Garcia

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