Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing 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.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Lisa Goodwin
Lisa Goodwin

A seasoned tech journalist with a passion for unraveling complex topics for everyday readers.