Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

James Johnson
James Johnson

A wellness coach and mindfulness advocate with over a decade of experience in holistic health practices.

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