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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Timothy Moyer
Timothy Moyer

Online casino enthusiast and content creator with a passion for slot games and responsible gambling.