Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's 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 game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores 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 Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

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

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike 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 the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Tyler Little
Tyler Little

A seasoned casino strategist with over a decade of experience in roulette analysis and probability theory.