Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

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

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

James Mann
James Mann

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and startup ecosystems across Europe.