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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

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

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

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

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Tammie Figueroa
Tammie Figueroa

Lena is a tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and consumer electronics.