Micky van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Run at 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 Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Christina May
Christina May

Elara Vance is a seasoned gaming journalist and former professional esports player, known for her detailed analysis and engaging content.

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