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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Joseph Garcia
Joseph Garcia

A travel enthusiast and lifestyle writer who shares personal stories and tips from adventures across Canada and beyond.