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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the first defender to net twice in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender heads into the net twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally five minutes after Van de Ven's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates the manager's side into third place in the division, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

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

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed 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 unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his next goal in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking finishing touch

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters headed to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted only one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

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

Beto's performance was summed up when he opted to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

What next for these two sides?

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

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round League Cup match against the Magpies.

Jason Reyes
Jason Reyes

Elara Vance is a seasoned sports betting analyst with over a decade of experience in odds analysis and strategy development.