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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to score twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • The Spurs defender nods home two times in first half

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

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck twice from set-pieces in the first half to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to turn it around 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, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a handful of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to check the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

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

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

Following a drab weekday performance in the Champions League against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

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 final outcome.

Centre-back the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball back across the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

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

The Dutchman was just as impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled superbly with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Toffees missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in the team's winning streak at home won't be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised strikers - had netted only a single goal between them before the weekend's outing.

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

The striker's performance was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional attempt that would have challenged the keeper.

Barry, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a lack of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered threatening balls into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against the Magpies.

Laura Mason
Laura Mason

A passionate traveler and food enthusiast documenting her global journeys and culinary discoveries.