Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

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

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

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

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Lori Horne
Lori Horne

Elara Vance is a passionate storyteller and writing coach, dedicated to helping others find their unique voice through engaging narratives.