Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in 89th minute

  • This loss is the Merseyside club's first at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated 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 the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at both ends of the field

After a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his second in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a fortress, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of opportunity. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and the forward, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

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

Spurs: The London club go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Jay Foley
Jay Foley

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