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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 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 European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Richard Salas
Richard Salas

Lorenzo is a seasoned poker player and analyst with over a decade of experience in live and online tournaments, sharing strategic insights.