Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Matthew Vasquez
Matthew Vasquez

A seasoned gaming technician with over 15 years of experience in slot machine maintenance and casino operations, sharing practical insights.

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