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 backline player to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

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

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Benjamin Higgins
Benjamin Higgins

Aria Vance is a mechanical engineer and tech writer with over a decade of experience in industrial automation and digital transformation.