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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a drab 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 the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

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

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

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Christopher Kelley
Christopher Kelley

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about exploring the intersection of gaming, innovation, and digital trends.