Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Christopher Hart
Christopher Hart

Emily Carter is a digital experience analyst specializing in portal usability and user interface design.