Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Samantha Garcia
Samantha Garcia

A digital strategist with over a decade in tech journalism, specializing in media innovation and AI advancements.