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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender emerged as the first backline player to score twice in a Premier League match for Tottenham since Jan Vertonghen in spring 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods into the net two times in first half

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after video check

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham prolonged their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed Everton their first defeat at their new home.

The Toffees were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, having left their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - assisted by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien thought he had equalized the tally five minutes after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

Beto, in the meantime, failed to convert a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of excellent stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, advising the match official to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee decided that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates the manager's team up to third in the Premier League, five points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Spurs breakdown: The defender fulfils role at both ends of the field

After a drab midweek performance in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose the French striker in attack instead of former Toffees player the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to influence the game before being replaced for Richarlison after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman converted into an attacking force to be feared.

Tottenham's first goal came from a cleverly executed corner routine, with the midfielder directing the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair handled excellently with the 34 crosses sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Everton lacking striker's instinct

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

The break in the team's winning streak at home will not be a massive concern for the manager, but their attacking woes will be.

The forward and the other striker - the Toffees' two recognised centre-forwards - had netted just one league goal combined before Sunday's match.

And they were failed to contribute to that poor tally on a wet and gloomy 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 readjust for a simpler shot that would have challenged the keeper.

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

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of Everton's attacks came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Spurs penalty area.

What next for both teams?

Everton: The team travel to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on late October for their next round Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle.

Nathaniel Alexander
Nathaniel Alexander

A senior full-stack developer passionate about creating scalable web applications and sharing knowledge through detailed tutorials.