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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

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

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

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

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

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

Joseph Riddle
Joseph Riddle

Urban explorer and lifestyle blogger passionate about uncovering city secrets and sharing money-saving tips.