Micky van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

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

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

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

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Robert Howard
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