Micky van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat 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 decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Diane Carroll
Diane Carroll

A London-based journalist with a passion for uncovering emerging cultural trends and profiling innovative artists in the UK scene.

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