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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

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

Everton were undefeated 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 conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

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

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Brent Johnson
Brent Johnson

Elara Vance is a philosopher and writer who explores the intersections of luck, psychology, and personal growth through engaging narratives.