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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Laura Reynolds
Laura Reynolds

A seasoned gaming enthusiast with over a decade of experience in online casinos and strategy development.