Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

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

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Karla Holden
Karla Holden

A seasoned software architect with over 15 years of experience in cloud computing and AI-driven solutions, passionate about mentoring tech teams.