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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven 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 the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

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

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

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

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

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

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Emily Glover
Emily Glover

Elara is a seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting markets and statistical modeling.