Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century 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 ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

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

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next 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 fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Aaron Sosa
Aaron Sosa

A logistics expert with over 10 years of experience in supply chain optimization and global trade.