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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team'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' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Matthew White
Matthew White

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