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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to score twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes 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 number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

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

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

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

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Joseph Phelps
Joseph Phelps

Elena is a child education expert and content creator dedicated to making learning fun and accessible.