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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten 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 last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized 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, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

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

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Michelle Brown
Michelle Brown

A wellness coach and writer passionate about integrating mindfulness practices into everyday routines for sustainable personal growth.