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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

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

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked 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 David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Stephanie Keller
Stephanie Keller

A seasoned casino strategist with over a decade of experience in slot machine analysis and probability optimization.