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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home twice in opening period

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

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

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves 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 in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted 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 tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Anna Boone
Anna Boone

A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience in casino games and betting strategies.