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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

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

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

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

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

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

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

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy 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 space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Matthew Jones
Matthew Jones

A seasoned betting analyst with a passion for data-driven strategies and helping others succeed in the gaming world.