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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

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

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Lee House
Lee House

A seasoned journalist specializing in royal affairs with over a decade of experience covering UK monarchy events.