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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to score twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

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

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham 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 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Susan Mclaughlin
Susan Mclaughlin

Liam van den Berg is a productivity coach and mindfulness expert with over a decade of experience in cognitive performance.