Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Run at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven became the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven heads into the net twice in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer ruled after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored 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.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were unable to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

Beto, in the meantime, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine saves to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, instructing the match official to review the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves Thomas Frank's side up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off north London rivals and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Tottenham analysis: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

After a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only two shots on goal, the manager opted for the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

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

Tottenham's first goal came from a well-worked corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - stepping up as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

The Dutchman was equally outstanding in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the duo handled excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing finishing touch

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's final goal for Spurs.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored just one league goal between them before Sunday's outing.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested the keeper.

Barry, too, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Rebecca Green
Rebecca Green

A passionate esports analyst and game reviewer with over a decade of experience in competitive gaming and content creation.