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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

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

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Holly Hawkins
Holly Hawkins

Elena is a tech enthusiast and software engineer with a passion for AI and open-source projects.