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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR 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.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat 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 free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Arthur Miller
Arthur Miller

Elara Vance is a tech enthusiast and digital strategist with a passion for uncovering emerging trends and sharing practical advice for modern audiences.