Van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Run at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

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

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton'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.

The Toffees were unbeaten 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 Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

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

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

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 more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

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

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

Steven Reyes
Steven Reyes

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in reviewing online slots and developing strategic gaming approaches.