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 defender to net twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

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

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

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

Shannon Williams
Shannon Williams

A veteran esports journalist with over a decade of experience covering competitive gaming and industry trends.