Van de Ven Brace Halts Everton's Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Home Ground

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets third in dying moments

  • The defeat is the Merseyside club's initial at their new ground

Micky van de Ven found the net on two occasions as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and delivered Everton their initial loss at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman struck on two occasions from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, directing a powerful header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the Premier League.

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

The win moves the manager's side up to third in the Premier League, five points off north London rivals and table-toppers the Gunners.

Everton stay in 14th position and are half a dozen points ahead of the drop zone.

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

Following a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a mere attempts on target, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was unable to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's unavailability - notched his second in first-half stoppage time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

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

The forward and the other striker - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had scored just a single goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to bicycle-kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having space and opportunity to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter 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 whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

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

Tottenham: The London club travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round League Cup tie against the Magpies.

Bradley Elliott
Bradley Elliott

A digital strategist and content creator passionate about blending technology with narrative to inspire modern audiences.