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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing 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 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 are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Erika Dunn
Erika Dunn

International business strategist with 15+ years of experience in emerging markets and cross-border trade.