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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to score twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender 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 Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score 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 moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

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

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Jennifer Butler
Jennifer Butler

A technology strategist with over a decade of experience in digital innovation and business development.