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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender heads home twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees 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 conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain 14th and are six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the exits 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 the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

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

Russell Guerrero
Russell Guerrero

A seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting strategies and odds analysis, passionate about helping bettors make informed decisions.