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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods into the net two times in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the first half to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a third to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores five minutes after Van de Ven's first goal, directing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a succession of fine saves to guarantee the London club went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the VAR intervened, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay 14th and sit six points clear of the drop zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at each end of pitch

After a drab midweek performance in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, Frank chose the French striker up front instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an attacking force to be reckoned with.

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

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses thrown their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees lacking finishing touch

Everton's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it seems the freshness may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before Sunday's outing.

And they were failed to contribute to that miserable record on a wet and gloomy night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was summed up when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

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

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's attacks came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly whipped dangerous balls into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

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

Tyler Horn
Tyler Horn

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about emerging technologies and their impact on society, sharing insights and discoveries.