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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads home two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender 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.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

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

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

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

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

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Francisco Wright
Francisco Wright

A passionate writer and digital storyteller exploring life's nuances through personal essays and fiction.