Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

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

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second 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 Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Jennifer Hall
Jennifer Hall

Lars van der Heijden is een ervaren logistiek expert met een passie voor optimalisatie en duurzame supply chain strategieën.