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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Joseph Lawrence
Joseph Lawrence

Maya Chen is a digital strategist with over a decade of experience helping startups scale through innovative marketing and operational efficiency.