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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Lisa Johnson
Lisa Johnson

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