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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

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

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Joel Turner
Joel Turner

A seasoned slot enthusiast with over a decade of experience in online gaming, specializing in strategy development and game analysis.