Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team 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 late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Deanna Moore DVM
Deanna Moore DVM

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casinos, specializing in slot mechanics and player strategies.