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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Jacob Saunders
Jacob Saunders

A passionate gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering console and PC titles, specializing in indie game analysis and industry trends.