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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, 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 Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

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

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Casey Bailey
Casey Bailey

A certified gambling counselor with over a decade of experience in addiction recovery and behavioral therapy.