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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact 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 Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

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.

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

Eric Zuniga
Eric Zuniga

Elara Vance is a blockchain analyst and crypto journalist with over a decade of experience covering decentralized technologies and market trends.