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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

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

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed 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 transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Janice Riggs
Janice Riggs

A former professional gamer turned analyst, specializing in strategy guides and esports trends with over a decade of industry experience.