Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at Brand New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the initial defender to net twice in a Premier League game for Tottenham since the Belgian defender in March 2013.

Match summary

  • The Spurs defender nods home twice in first half

  • Everton's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder nets third in dying moments

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Spurs extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their five previous fixtures at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of last season.

But Spurs captain the Dutchman struck twice from corners in the first half to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the scores a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, meanwhile, failed to convert a handful of opportunities, while the Italian goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to guarantee Tottenham went five matches on the road unbeaten in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the screen and the official decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team into third place in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers Arsenal.

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

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven excels in duties at each end of the field

Following a uninspiring midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the pitch, but it emerged he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

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

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

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

Van de Ven was just as impressive in defensive duties, partnering effectively with his defensive colleague as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by Everton.

Toffees breakdown: Everton missing striker's instinct

Everton's new home had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have faded somewhat and fans flocked to the exits after Sarr's final goal for Tottenham.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major concern for the manager, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored only one league goal between them before the weekend's match.

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

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a golden opportunity from close range, even with having room and time to readjust for a more conventional shot that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after replacing Beto in the second half.

It wasn't for a shortage of chance. The majority of Everton's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

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

Taylor Sullivan
Taylor Sullivan

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in reviewing online slots and gaming platforms.