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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton stay 14th and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager 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 pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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

Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online casino trends and player strategies.