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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

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

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

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

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

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

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

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

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

Linda Bradley
Linda Bradley

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience in the UK casino industry, specializing in slot reviews and player safety.