Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's first at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

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

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

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

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the freshness may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

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

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and time to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Bonnie Hall
Bonnie Hall

A tech journalist and AI researcher passionate about demystifying complex technologies for everyday users.

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