Micky van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand 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 Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward 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 end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Stefanie Pitts
Stefanie Pitts

A London-based journalist and cultural commentator with a passion for exploring British heritage and modern society.