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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

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

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Dennis Vasquez
Dennis Vasquez

A London-based writer passionate about urban culture and sustainable living, with over a decade of experience in lifestyle journalism.