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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

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

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Jordan Carter
Jordan Carter

Elara Vance is a financial strategist with over 15 years of experience in corporate finance and business development across Canada.