Micky van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

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

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

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Scott Butler
Scott Butler

A tech strategist with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and UK market analysis.