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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores 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 first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Jennifer Cisneros
Jennifer Cisneros

Lena is a tech enthusiast and digital strategist with a passion for emerging technologies.

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