Van de Ven Double Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

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

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a mere attempts on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before the weekend's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Victor Brock
Victor Brock

A seasoned sports analyst with a passion for data-driven betting strategies and years of experience in the industry.