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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

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

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

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

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Philip Moore
Philip Moore

A seasoned business strategist with over 15 years of experience helping UK companies scale and innovate in competitive markets.