Micky van de Ven Double Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • 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 handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces 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 Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted 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 converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

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

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Deborah Rogers
Deborah Rogers

A productivity coach and writer with over a decade of experience helping professionals optimize their workflows and achieve their goals.