Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to score two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

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

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Jordan Gilbert
Jordan Gilbert

A tech journalist and innovation enthusiast with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and digital trends worldwide.