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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures 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 Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

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

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

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

James Franklin
James Franklin

A tech enthusiast and creative writer with a passion for exploring digital innovations and sharing practical tutorials.