Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Run at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten 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 end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, advising the match official to review the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position 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 table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are six points ahead of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, Frank opted for the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

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

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

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

The break in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had netted just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that miserable tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Aaron Roberts
Aaron Roberts

A seasoned casino strategist with over a decade of experience in gaming analysis and player psychology.