Micky van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

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

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Steven Miller
Steven Miller

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