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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Anthony Smith
Anthony Smith

Elena is a seasoned cybersecurity analyst with over a decade of experience in network security and ethical hacking.