Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in opening period

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, 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 Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

April Jackson
April Jackson

A seasoned career coach and writer passionate about empowering professionals through practical guidance and motivational content.

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