Liverpool, England - Tottenham Hotspur secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, with Micky van de Ven scoring twice in the first half to end the Toffees' unbeaten home record. The Spurs captain's headed goals, both from corners, put his team in control before halftime. Pape Matar Sarr added a third goal late in the game to seal the win for Tottenham.
Tottenham's aerial prowess, led by Van de Ven, proved too much for David Moyes' Everton side. The goals marked a significant moment for Van de Ven, who now has five goals this season, making him Tottenham's leading scorer, a stark contrast to his previous season where he didn't score at all. "Crazy," Van de Ven said of his unexpected goalscoring form. "Don't think I've ever scored two in a game before".
Everton had a strong start to the game and even had a potential equalizer disallowed due to a VAR check for offside after Van de Ven's first goal. Jake O'Brien was the player denied the goal. Despite the efforts of Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish, Everton struggled to break down Tottenham's defense. Grealish was back in the starting lineup after being unable to play against his parent club, Manchester City, in the previous match.
Tottenham's coach, Thomas Frank, made four changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Monaco in the Champions League. Randal Kolo Muani made his first start for the club, while Xavi Simons, Brennan Johnson, and Djed Spence also returned to the starting lineup.
Tottenham's solid defense, particularly the performance of Micky van de Ven and Kevin Danso, kept Everton at bay. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario also made crucial saves to deny Everton any chance of a comeback. Tottenham's ability to capitalize on set-pieces proved to be the difference, as Everton had previously not conceded any league goals from corners this season.
The victory lifts Tottenham to third place in the Premier League table, five points behind leaders Arsenal. They are also the only team in the division to remain unbeaten away from home. Meanwhile, Everton are in 14th place with 11 points.
The match saw a strange performance from Tottenham, who seemed to retreat into their shell after taking the lead. However, they were clinical in taking their chances, while Everton struggled to convert their opportunities. The closest Everton came to scoring was when Pedro Porro blocked Jack Grealish's shot near the goal line.
Ultimately, Tottenham's efficiency and Van de Ven's heroics secured a valuable three points and ended Everton's perfect home record.
