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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined 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 form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Jesse Miller
Jesse Miller

A tech journalist with a passion for exploring how emerging technologies shape everyday life and digital culture.