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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Matthew Garcia
Matthew Garcia

Professional gambler and casino analyst with over a decade of experience in slot machine strategies and online gaming reviews.