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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

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

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

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

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Jessica Griffin
Jessica Griffin

Elara is a seasoned journalist and analyst with over a decade of experience covering international affairs and emerging technologies.