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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

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

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory 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 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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

Alex Pena
Alex Pena

A seasoned financial analyst specializing in precious metals markets, with over 15 years of experience in gold investment strategies.