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 English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Tanner Meza
Tanner Meza

Eleanor is a travel writer and urban enthusiast exploring UK cities.