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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first backline player to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain in 14th position and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Defender Van de Ven transformed into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled excellently with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans headed to the exits after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's two established strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous balls into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

The Toffees: Moyes' men travel to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup match against Newcastle.

John Lopez
John Lopez

A seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting strategies and statistical modeling, specializing in European football leagues.