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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

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

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Elizabeth Clayton
Elizabeth Clayton

A seasoned football journalist with over a decade of experience covering Premier League and European competitions, known for insightful tactical breakdowns.

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