Van de Ven Double Ends The Toffees' Run at Brand New Stadium

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 spring 2013.

Match summary

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

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat 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 handed the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in role at both ends of pitch

After a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major concern for David Moyes, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Marissa Clark
Marissa Clark

A seasoned business consultant with over a decade of experience in helping startups scale and thrive.