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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

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

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

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

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: 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 fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Mrs. Linda Chase MD
Mrs. Linda Chase MD

Elara Vance is a digital media analyst with over a decade of experience covering tech innovations and media transformations across the UK.

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