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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

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

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

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

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Connie Brooks
Connie Brooks

A seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting markets, specializing in football and horse racing.