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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

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

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled 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 division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Sarah Rios
Sarah Rios

A passionate gamer and casino enthusiast with over a decade of experience in reviewing and analyzing online gaming platforms.