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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners 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 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, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Lisa Lewis
Lisa Lewis

Elara is a seasoned writer and tech enthusiast with a passion for storytelling and innovation, sharing experiences from years in digital media.