Micky van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park 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 put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Kristy Blankenship
Kristy Blankenship

A veteran automotive journalist with a passion for vintage cars and a keen eye for industry trends.