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 first defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced 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' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Joseph Rice
Joseph Rice

A seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in football betting strategies and statistical modeling.