Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the first backline player to net twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in first half

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

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their five previous fixtures at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half to put their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

The win moves Thomas Frank's team into third place in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

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

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the face of goal for an unmarked the defender to score.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the duo dealt superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored only a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, despite having space and time to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: Moyes' men head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Shane Turner
Shane Turner

A tech enthusiast and digital lifestyle writer with over a decade of experience in reviewing gadgets and exploring emerging technologies.

September 2026 Blog Roll

Popular Post