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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

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.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures 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 Spurs captain 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 ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

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

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

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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

Cynthia Fleming
Cynthia Fleming

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