Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed 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 final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Howard Robinson
Howard Robinson

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in reviewing online slots and gaming platforms.