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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton'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 the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

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

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Tyler Holmes
Tyler Holmes

A passionate music enthusiast and cultural critic with a background in ethnomusicology.