Micky van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium 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 twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

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

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly 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 seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Krista Turner
Krista Turner

A seasoned journalist and digital content creator with a passion for uncovering stories that impact daily life and technology.