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 defender to score two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions 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 - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

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

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

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

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

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Mary Blake
Mary Blake

Zkušená novinářka se zaměřením na politické dění a mezinárodní vztahy, píšící pro různé české médi od roku 2015.