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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

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

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century 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 unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

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 Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

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

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Evan Edwards
Evan Edwards

Maya Chen is a tech journalist and product reviewer with over a decade of experience covering consumer electronics and emerging technologies.