Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to score two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

  • The home side's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - 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 tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

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

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

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

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

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

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Rhonda Beard
Rhonda Beard

A seasoned travel writer with over a decade of experience exploring hidden gems and sharing authentic stories from across the globe.