Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their winning streak on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from corners in the first half 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 - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

Everton stay 14th and sit half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

After a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only two shots on target, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing 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 converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to score.

And the captain - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the duo handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off somewhat and supporters headed to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's pair of established strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor record on a wet and gloomy evening on in Liverpool.

The striker's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to readjust for a simpler attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of chance. The majority of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening balls into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Spurs: Spurs travel to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Holly Morris
Holly Morris

Urban enthusiast and freelance writer exploring city life, culture, and hidden gems across the UK.