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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable 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.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Christopher Baker
Christopher Baker

A seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK politics and social trends, known for her sharp analysis.