Micky van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games 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 the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Cameron Ryan
Cameron Ryan

A seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience covering European politics and international relations, known for her incisive reporting.

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