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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first backline player to score two goals in a Premier League game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

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

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek display 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 Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked 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 first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Theresa Cortez
Theresa Cortez

A science enthusiast and educator with a passion for making complex topics accessible and engaging for learners of all ages.