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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

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

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Spurs extended their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced twice from set-pieces in the first half to put their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of fine stops to guarantee the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a drab weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

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

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, was unable to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Crystal Shields
Crystal Shields

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