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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, 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 replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Joseph Randolph
Joseph Randolph

A former professional marathon runner turned fitness coach, Elena shares insights on endurance training and nutrition for runners of all levels.

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