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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak 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 the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

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

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 space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

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

Ryan Thomas
Ryan Thomas

A seasoned academic editor with over 15 years of experience in research publishing and peer review processes, specializing in humanities and social sciences.