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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

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

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Michele Bailey
Michele Bailey

Zara Moonstone is an intuitive astrologer and numerologist with over a decade of experience, blending ancient wisdom with modern insights to help readers navigate life's cosmic currents.

June 2026 Blog Roll

May 2026 Blog Roll

Popular Post