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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

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

The Toffees 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 end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next 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: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

David Brown
David Brown

A tech enthusiast and business analyst with over a decade of experience in trend forecasting and digital innovation.