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 initial backline player to score twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

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

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

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

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

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light 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 tie against the Magpies.

Ashley Jones
Ashley Jones

A seasoned trading card analyst with over a decade of experience in the collectibles market, specializing in sports memorabilia and market trends.

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