Micky van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

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

The break in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

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

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Mark Fox
Mark Fox

A tech enthusiast and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in emerging technologies and innovation.