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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising 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 Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

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

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Charles Horton
Charles Horton

Agricultural technology expert with 15 years of experience in developing sustainable farming solutions and digital agriculture platforms.