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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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 final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

David Carrillo
David Carrillo

Maya is a digital strategist and writer passionate about exploring how technology shapes everyday life and culture.