Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to score twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading 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 absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Daniel Watson
Daniel Watson

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