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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

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

  • The home side's defender has equalizer 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 prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

James Parker
James Parker

A travel writer and urban explorer documenting city cultures and sustainable living practices across global metropolises.