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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to score twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

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

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Ryan Melendez
Ryan Melendez

Mikael is a seasoned casino gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in slot machine mechanics and online gambling trends.