Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger 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 Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

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

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed 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.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

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

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Andrew Wise
Andrew Wise

Ava Thornton is an urban planner and sustainability advocate with a passion for resilient city design.