Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Robert Mooney
Robert Mooney

A tech writer and software developer passionate about AI and emerging technologies, sharing insights from years of industry experience.