Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

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

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

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

Megan Smith
Megan Smith

Elara is a passionate storyteller with a background in creative writing, known for crafting engaging narratives that inspire wonder.