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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

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

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Pamela Savage
Pamela Savage

A UK-based technology strategist with over 15 years of experience in digital innovation and enterprise solutions.