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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, 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 put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Michael Fernandez
Michael Fernandez

Elara is a seasoned lottery analyst with a passion for decoding number patterns and sharing actionable insights for players.