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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated 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 the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, 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 relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

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

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

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

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

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

Lisa Miller
Lisa Miller

A digital strategist with over 10 years of experience in SEO and content marketing, passionate about driving online success for clients.