Key Takeaways:
- Micky van de Ven registered two first-half goals on Saturday, leading Tottenham to a 3-0 victory over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium
- Everton’s five-match unbeaten start at their new Bramley-Moore Dock ground came to an end following this result
- The win propelled Thomas Frank’s Tottenham side up to third place in the Premier League, now five points behind Arsenal
Match Analysis: Visitors End Toffees’ Home Success
Tottenham Hotspur continued their impressive away form in the Premier League, handing Everton their first defeat at the newly-opened Hill Dickinson Stadium. Prior to this fixture, Everton had remained unbeaten in five home matches at Bramley-Moore Dock after departing Goodison Park, their ground for 133 years.
It was Spurs captain Micky van de Ven who dominated proceedings, heading in twice from corners during the first half to jeopardise Everton’s strong home record. The hosts were unable to produce a response, and further damage was inflicted when Pape Matar Sarr found the net in the second half – his header was set up by former Everton striker Richarlison.
Tottenham go up to third place in EPL as they hand Everton their first loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium 📈⚪️ pic.twitter.com/8bpSZgA3tO
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) October 26, 2025
Disallowed Equaliser and Missed Chances
Everton thought they had responded quickly when Jake O’Brien connected with a strong header from an Everton corner, only for the video assistant referee to intervene. After reviewing the incident, Craig Pawson ruled O’Brien’s effort out as Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye had been adjudged offside and interfering with Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Beto had several opportunities to bring Everton back into contention, but he was unable to convert, including an unsuccessful bicycle-kick attempt from close range. Meanwhile, Vicario was called into action repeatedly, producing several key saves to secure a fifth consecutive unbeaten away league match for Tottenham.
Statistical Overview
| Team | Goals | Key Events | Current League Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everton | 0 | O’Brien header disallowed (VAR), multiple opportunities missed by Beto and Barry | 14th (six points clear of relegation) |
| Tottenham | 3 | Van de Ven (2, both first half corners), Sarr (Richarlison assist) | 3rd (five points behind Arsenal) |
Tottenham: Van de Ven Stands Out in Crucial Roles
After producing just two efforts on target in their previous Champions League outing against Monaco, Thomas Frank decided to give Randal Kolo Muani the nod up front, relegating Richarlison to the bench. Muani found it difficult to make a meaningful impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes.
Instead, centre-back Van de Ven stepped up at both ends. The Dutchman, deputising as captain for the absent Cristian Romero, first headed home after Rodrigo Bentancur nodded a corner across the goalmouth, then added a second in stoppage time of the opening half, out-jumping Jordan Pickford.
Van de Ven was equally competent defensively, forming a solid partnership with Kevin Danso to withstand a barrage of 34 Everton crosses throughout the contest.
Everton: Lacking Firepower Up Front
The defeat signalled the end of Everton’s ideal start at their new ground, while raising questions over their finishing power. Both Beto and Thierno Barry, the Toffees’ principal strikers, had only one league goal between them prior to the match, a tally that remained unchanged after Sunday’s contest.
Barry failed to have an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute, despite Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye persistently delivering sharp deliveries into the penalty area.
What Lies Ahead?
- Everton will travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November
- Tottenham’s next fixture sees them face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup fourth round at St James’ Park on Wednesday, 29 October.
