Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

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

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

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

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Ashley Heath
Ashley Heath

A former casino consultant turned gaming blogger, sharing insider knowledge to help players maximize their enjoyment and success.