Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to score twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

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

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten 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 Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, 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 video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Peggy Becker
Peggy Becker

A digital strategist and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in emerging technologies and content creation.