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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor 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 side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, 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. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Crystal Drake
Crystal Drake

A quantum physicist and tech writer with over a decade of experience in quantum algorithm development and science communication.