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 two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in opening period

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

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

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Benjamin Anderson
Benjamin Anderson

A London-based graphic designer with over 10 years of experience in branding and digital art, passionate about sharing creative techniques.

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