Van de Ven Brace Ends The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Match summary

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in opening period

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left 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 first half to put their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure the London club went five away games unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to review the goal on the pitchside monitor and the official ruled that the winger and the attacker were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

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

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils duties at both ends of pitch

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on target, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven transformed into an offensive threat to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an unmarked Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as captain in the Argentine's unavailability - notched his second in added time as he rose above the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the duo dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries thrown their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

Everton's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it appears the novelty may have worn off slightly and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Tottenham.

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had scored only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was summed up when he opted to bicycle-kick a clear chance from close range, despite having room and time to reposition for a simpler shot that would have tested Vicario.

Barry, as well, failed to make an impact after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. The majority of Everton's attacks came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

The Toffees: The team head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 8 PM.

Tottenham: The London club go to St James' Park on late October for their fourth-round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Edwin Lee
Edwin Lee

An avid traveler and writer passionate about uncovering Italy's lesser-known destinations and sharing authentic experiences.