Micky van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial 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 Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain 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 equally impressive in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Grace Roberson
Grace Roberson

A historian and cultural expert specializing in British traditions, with over a decade of experience in heritage preservation.