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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton 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 their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

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

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

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

Barry, too, 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 attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Amy Vang
Amy Vang

A technology strategist with over a decade of experience in IT consulting and digital transformation for SMEs across various industries.