Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

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

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Wendy Anderson
Wendy Anderson

A passionate gamer and tech reviewer with over a decade of experience in analyzing gaming hardware and trends.