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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial defender to score twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has equalizer ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • This loss is Everton's first at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a only attempts on goal, Frank chose 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 an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

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

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

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of established centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot 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 chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Alex Jenkins
Alex Jenkins

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