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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

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

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of the field

After a drab weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Stanley Norton
Stanley Norton

A seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience covering international politics and cultural shifts across continents.

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