Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, 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 put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

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

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Melissa Allen
Melissa Allen

Emily is a retail expert and bargain hunter with over 10 years in e-commerce.