Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in opening period

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in 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 bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

William Nash
William Nash

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in the UK casino sector, specializing in market trends and player behavior.