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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left 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 place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Barbara Davis
Barbara Davis

A seasoned journalist with over 15 years of experience covering international affairs and geopolitical developments across multiple continents.