Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice 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 - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

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

Michael Hill
Michael Hill

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