Van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed 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, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Taylor Lyons
Taylor Lyons

A digital content strategist passionate about storytelling and innovation in modern media.