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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike 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 score.

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

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Jamie Reeves
Jamie Reeves

A seasoned travel writer and luxury lifestyle expert with over a decade of experience exploring global destinations and curating premium experiences.