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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary 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 Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Jermaine Conley
Jermaine Conley

A tech enthusiast and digital lifestyle writer with over a decade of experience covering software trends and gadget reviews.