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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice 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 new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

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

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Cameron Rose
Cameron Rose

Elara is a passionate literary critic and writer with a background in European literature, dedicated to uncovering hidden gems in contemporary fiction.