Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check 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.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Joseph Navarro
Joseph Navarro

Tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger with a passion for sharing innovative ideas and practical advice.