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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • 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 in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Mark Bird
Mark Bird

A seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist with over a decade of experience in scaling startups and fostering innovation.