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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed 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 final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

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

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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

Angela Newton
Angela Newton

A passionate writer and researcher with a knack for uncovering unique perspectives on everyday subjects.