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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Robert Bernard
Robert Bernard

A professional blackjack strategist with over a decade of experience in casino gaming and mathematical analysis.