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

Micky van de Ven celebrating

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

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in opening period

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal ruled after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr scores final goal in 89th minute

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

The Tottenham defender found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run in away games in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at their new home.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the end of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were unable to mount a comeback before the midfielder - assisted by former Toffees attacker the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

Jake O'Brien believed he had equalized the scores a short while after the defender's opener, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while Vicario made a series of fine stops to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the VAR stepped in, advising Craig Pawson to check the goal on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in offside positions and had impeded with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the division, a handful of points off local foes and table-toppers the Gunners.

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

Tottenham analysis: Van de Ven fulfils role at both ends of pitch

Following a drab midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they mustered a mere attempts on target, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward the Brazilian.

The new arrival was failed to make much of an impact before being replaced for Richarlison after an hour on the pitch, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the six-yard box for an unmarked the defender to score.

And the captain - filling in as captain in Cristian Romero's absence - notched his next goal in first-half stoppage time as he outjumped Jordan Pickford to nod in.

Van de Ven was just as outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair handled superbly 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 seems the novelty may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's final goal for Tottenham.

The end in Everton's winning streak at home will not be a major worry for the manager, but their striker situation are.

The forward and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established strikers - had scored just a single goal combined before Sunday's match.

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

Beto's form was epitomized when he opted to overhead kick a golden opportunity from near the goal, despite having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have tested the keeper.

The substitute, as well, failed to influence the game after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a shortage of chance. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and the forward, who relentlessly whipped dangerous crosses into the Tottenham box.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: Spurs travel to Newcastle's ground on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup match against Newcastle.

Nicole Harding
Nicole Harding

A seasoned collector and market analyst with over a decade of experience in rare card investments, sharing insights to help enthusiasts build valuable portfolios.