Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing 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 unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

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

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

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

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Timothy Turner
Timothy Turner

A seasoned casino enthusiast with over a decade of experience in slot machine analysis and gaming strategies.