Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads home two times in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a succession of excellent stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

Everton remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek display in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton 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 fans headed to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to add to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on in Liverpool.

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing the starter in the second half.

It was not for a lack of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: Spurs travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Lauren Green
Lauren Green

A mathematician and gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in probability theory and lottery systems, dedicated to helping players make informed choices.