Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

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

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Katherine Holland
Katherine Holland

A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience in reviewing online casinos and slot games, specializing in bonus strategies.