Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial backline player to net two goals in a Premier League game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

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

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered 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 departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's side up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

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

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Spurs' first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his second in added time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees 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 exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The end in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of established strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary night on in Liverpool.

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

Barry, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the second half.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for these two sides?

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

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Jonathan Weiss
Jonathan Weiss

Ingegnere energetico con 15 anni di esperienza nel settore solare, divulgatrice e consulente per impianti residenziali e industriali.