Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

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

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Christian Huynh
Christian Huynh

A software engineer and tech writer with over a decade of experience in AI development and digital transformation projects across Europe.

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