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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net 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

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and handed Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

Everton stay 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

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

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had netted just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Nicholas Richardson
Nicholas Richardson

Elara is a passionate literary critic and avid reader, known for her engaging reviews and deep dives into contemporary fiction and non-fiction works.