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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries 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 seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Andrea Stewart MD
Andrea Stewart MD

A seasoned investment analyst with over a decade of experience in European markets, specializing in startup funding and business growth strategies.