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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to score twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates 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 David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Matthew Newman
Matthew Newman

A passionate storyteller and adventurer who shares insights from life's twists and turns.