Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is Everton's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

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

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, 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 stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at each end of pitch

After a drab weekday display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on goal, Frank chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free Van de Ven to score.

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

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, combining well with Kevin Danso as the duo handled superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Everton analysis: Everton lacking finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans headed to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Spurs.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor record on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the second half.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for both teams?

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

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

Jennifer Carson
Jennifer Carson

Lena Visser is a lifestyle writer passionate about sustainable living, DIY crafts, and sharing practical ideas for a greener home.