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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton 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 Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

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

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Tammy Parker
Tammy Parker

A passionate writer and cultural critic with a background in digital media, sharing unique insights on contemporary issues.