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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

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

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans 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 massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Nathan Keith
Nathan Keith

A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience in reviewing online casinos and promoting responsible gaming.