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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first defender to score two goals in a English top-flight game for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

  • Everton's defender has equalizer disallowed after video check

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Spurs prolonged their unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League and handed the Toffees their initial loss at their new home.

Everton were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having left their historic home behind after more than a century at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman pounced twice from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their impressive record at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had equalized the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, failed to convert a number of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the VAR stepped in, advising the match official to check the goal on the screen and the official decided that Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory moves the manager's side into third place in the division, a handful of points off north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and sit six points ahead of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven excels in role at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they managed a mere two shots on goal, Frank opted for the French striker up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

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

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's absence - notched his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally impressive in defensive duties, partnering well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking striker's instinct

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

The break in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's pair of recognised strikers - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's outing.

And they were unable to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy evening on Merseyside.

Beto's form 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 attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

Barry, too, 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 relentlessly whipped threatening balls into the Spurs box.

What next for both teams?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham: Spurs go to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against the Magpies.

Elizabeth Davenport
Elizabeth Davenport

Elena Visser is a digital marketing strategist and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience helping brands grow online.