Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

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

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Justin Hale
Justin Hale

A passionate writer and storyteller with a love for exploring diverse genres and sharing literary adventures.

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