Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in opening period

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

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

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Laura Reed
Laura Reed

Elara is a seasoned betting enthusiast with a passion for social gaming and strategy development.