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 defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

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

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

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

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

Robert Mccullough
Robert Mccullough

A seasoned luxury travel writer and lifestyle curator with over a decade of experience exploring global destinations.