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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Steven Calderon
Steven Calderon

Elara is a fantasy writer and world-builder, known for crafting immersive tales inspired by ancient myths and modern imagination.