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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten 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 the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had netted only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Thomas Chavez
Thomas Chavez

A seasoned sports analyst with 10+ years in betting strategy development, specializing in statistical modeling and live event predictions.