Van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

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

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

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

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Lori Williams
Lori Williams

A seasoned casino enthusiast and writer with a passion for slot gaming trends and strategies.