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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Daniel Andrews
Daniel Andrews

Elena is a certified nutritionist and wellness coach with over a decade of experience in holistic health and sustainable living practices.