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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

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

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Nicole Sparks
Nicole Sparks

A passionate animal lover and certified dog trainer with over a decade of experience in pet care and behavior management.