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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal 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 head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

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

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Mark Lopez
Mark Lopez

Elara Vance is a creative director and video producer with over a decade of experience in visual storytelling and digital media production.