Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half 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 - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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

Sharon Hansen
Sharon Hansen

A seasoned entertainment journalist with a passion for uncovering stories in film, music, and culture.