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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review 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 elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

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

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Hannah Stewart
Hannah Stewart

Elara is a skateboarding enthusiast and writer, sharing insights on retro skate culture and gear.