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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable 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 tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Robert Johns
Robert Johns

A tech journalist and digital culture writer with a background in software development and media analysis.