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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender'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 the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in 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 just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Noah Kennedy
Noah Kennedy

Tech enthusiast and internet infrastructure expert with a passion for connecting communities through high-speed solutions.