Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

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

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Andrea Murphy DDS
Andrea Murphy DDS

Elena Voss is a seasoned journalist and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in digital media.