Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak 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 departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners 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 put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Margaret Ross
Margaret Ross

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