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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net two goals in a Premier League match for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to ensure the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of pitch

Following a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was just as outstanding in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a major concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Brandi Christensen
Brandi Christensen

A tech enthusiast and digital strategist passionate about exploring how emerging technologies shape everyday experiences and future possibilities.