Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at 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 Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

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 the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman 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 third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

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

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, 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 offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Taylor King
Taylor King

Elara Vance is a renewable energy consultant with over a decade of experience in grid modernization and sustainable infrastructure projects across Europe.