Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters 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 the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

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

Joshua Henry
Joshua Henry

A professional blackjack strategist with over a decade of casino experience, specializing in card counting and risk management.