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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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 the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable 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 simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Cynthia Turner
Cynthia Turner

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about sharing innovative ideas and trends that shape our digital world.