Van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Run at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

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

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

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

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Vincent Phillips
Vincent Phillips

A seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK politics and social issues, known for in-depth analysis and engaging storytelling.