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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score twice in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net twice in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to head home.

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

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates 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 attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Robert Black
Robert Black

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