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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets 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 in away games in the top division and handed Everton 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 last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal 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, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek display in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Donna Hamilton
Donna Hamilton

Elara Vance is a seasoned betting analyst with over a decade of experience in sports journalism and market trends.