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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

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

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

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

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose 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 Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking 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 fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

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

What next for these two sides?

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

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

William Berry
William Berry

Digital strategist with 15+ years in tech innovation, focusing on AI integration and sustainable business models across global markets.