Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Vincent Banks
Vincent Banks

A passionate horticulturist and sustainability advocate with over a decade of experience in organic farming.

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