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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Manuel Morales
Manuel Morales

A seasoned gaming enthusiast and writer, Aria specializes in reviewing online casinos and sharing expert tips for maximizing player experiences.