Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager chose 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 an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Amanda Reilly
Amanda Reilly

A digital nomad and tech enthusiast who finds joy in simplifying complex ideas. Aria writes to inspire curiosity and foster understanding.