Van de Ven Brace Ends Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score two goals in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

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 Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and are six points clear of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off somewhat and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the second half.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Michael Wood
Michael Wood

A seasoned betting analyst with over a decade of experience in sports wagering and statistical modeling, known for his data-driven approach.