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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to score two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Stacey Valdez
Stacey Valdez

A seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in Canadian sports betting, specializing in hockey and football strategies.