Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender 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, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Eric Harrington
Eric Harrington

A tech enthusiast and business strategist with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and startup consulting.