Van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten 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 end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at each end of pitch

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

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

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Nicole Price
Nicole Price

Digital media strategist with a passion for uncovering the latest trends in online content and social platforms.