Micky van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in opening period

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced 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 Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - notched 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 well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Karen Herrera
Karen Herrera

A tech entrepreneur and business strategist with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and startup consulting.

June 2026 Blog Roll