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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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 directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

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

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Kimberly Washington
Kimberly Washington

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