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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback 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 tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, 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 Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

John Frost
John Frost

A seasoned editor and novelist passionate about storytelling and helping writers achieve their publishing goals.

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