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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games 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 the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

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

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Scott Williams
Scott Williams

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