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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged 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 five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked 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 skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

David Rodriguez
David Rodriguez

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in UK tech, specializing in innovation and market trends.