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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

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

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal 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.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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

Jason Mckee
Jason Mckee

A passionate writer and tech enthusiast sharing insights on digital trends and innovation.