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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, 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 interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Leslie Baker
Leslie Baker

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering the UK casino industry and slot machine trends.