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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

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

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Derrick Bright
Derrick Bright

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in gaming industry reviews and strategy development.