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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

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

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

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Tammy Sawyer
Tammy Sawyer

A passionate gamer and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in gaming journalism and content creation.