Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points ahead of the relegation zone.

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

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

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder heading the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Spurs.

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

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal combined before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Derrick Graham
Derrick Graham

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