Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

Everton remain 14th and sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for 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 Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Abigail Rose
Abigail Rose

A seasoned strategist and writer passionate about sharing winning techniques and motivational advice to help readers succeed.

September 2026 Blog Roll
January 2026 Blog Roll