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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

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

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to nod in.

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

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

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

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Jon Wong
Jon Wong

Alex Thornton is a writer and productivity enthusiast who explores the intersection of technology and daily life.