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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to score two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Brian Petersen
Brian Petersen

A cybersecurity specialist and tech writer with over a decade of experience in digital innovation and AI ethics.