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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

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

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to check the score on the screen and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

George Schaefer
George Schaefer

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in the online casino industry, specializing in slot game mechanics and player strategies.