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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Riley Waters
Riley Waters

A tech journalist and digital lifestyle expert with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and consumer electronics.