Micky van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Brian Fletcher
Brian Fletcher

Tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering UK tech innovations and startup ecosystems.