Micky van de Ven Double 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 match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League 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 left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

William Long
William Long

Elena is a tech enthusiast and writer with 10 years of experience in digital media. She loves sharing actionable advice on technology and lifestyle.