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 first defender to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

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

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Patricia Jenkins
Patricia Jenkins

A tech strategist with over a decade of experience in digital innovation and business growth across European markets.