Micky van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

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

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around 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 levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

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

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

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

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Scott Washington
Scott Washington

Lena is a passionate writer and life enthusiast who enjoys documenting everyday moments and sharing insights on mindfulness and self-improvement.